Friday, November 25, 2011

Hollywood puts on a show

By JOE DUARTE; WADE OZEROFF, QMI AGENCY Posted 21 hours ago

of an all-new model that features 11 new exclusive features and fuel economy projected to top its segment.

Hands-free technology abounds, with the latest generation Sync and MyFord Touch, plus a motion-sensing tailgate that opens with a simulated kicking motion when the driver approaches with key fob in pocket. Improvements in economy come via new 1.6 and 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engines (the standard engine is a 2.5-litre "four"). All are mated to a six-speed automatic with sequential shift.

Inside, Escape offers increased cargo room behind the rear seats and with them folded flat (971 and 1,928 litres, respectively).

With all the talk of bringing the European Kuga to North America, it should be noted the two are the same vehicle (Escape being named Kuga in Europe and Asia, after its rest-of-the-world introduction at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2012).

Pulling the cover off Mazda's all-new CX-5, Mazda USA president Jim O'Sullivan remarked about the company's motto: "Zoom-zoom is a rallying cry for people who love to drive."

That cry should continue with the midsize crossover, the first vehicle from the company to fully integrate the SkyActiv technologies that will take Mazda into the future.

With reduced weight from the new body and frame, reduced emissions from the SkyActiv-G 2.0 litre gasoline engine, and a whole new aesthetic courtesy of the newly implemented Kodo design language, the CX-5 will lead Mazda's new range of vehicles into the future.

CX-5 will be our first chance to see how the overall reduced body weight and engine refinement will affect CO2 emissions, which the company states will be lowered a full 30% by 2015 from their 2008 levels.

Revelling in the company's relatively newfound Fluidic Sculpture design language that has helped power reputation as a value brand (as opposed to a bargain the manufacturer to new sales highs (Hyundai is expecting brand), North American CEO John Krafcik revealed the to sell four million vehicles this year, for the first time ever). newest version of the Azera sedan (which, unfortunately, No doubt it will be helped along by the brand's won't be coming to Canada). increasing reputation for quality and the best warranty in

Joining the company's expanding line of luxury cars, the industry; and the new sedan's 293 horsepower can't fitting in just below the Genesis and Equus, the 2012 Azera hurt either. brings the 'modern premium' slogan the company adopted

a few years ago, along with its own expression of the -- Wade Ozeroff

It's the fastest Jaguar ever ... both in the way it reportedly moves down the road and apparently in the way it moves out of showrooms.

On the subject of the former, it's powered by a supercharged 5.0litreV8 that makes 550 horsepower and 502 lb.-ft. of torque, pulling the vehicle to 60 mph from a standstill in a reported 4.2 seconds (and capable of a top speed of 300 km/h). Carbon fibre body pieces allow air to flow more smoothly around the body without adding too much extra weight. The suspension has been revised from the coupe in order to help reduce body shake, but add an extra measure of control and improves agility.

Only 25 units were allocated to the U.S. and they sold before the car was even introduced.

The Passat CC debuted four years ago as individual seats. Power comes from Volkswagen a pioneer in the four-door coupe segment stalwarts-- the 200 hp 2.0-litre turbocharged (which many still consider a misnomer). The and direct injected four-cylinder or the 280-hp second generation is more of a reboot, with 3.6-litre narrow angle V6 (VR6). The VR6 is visual (front and rear styling) and technological mated to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic, while improvements. Up front, there is a new grille, the 2.0T can be had with either a six-speed bumper and bi-Xenon headlights (and optional manual or six-speed direct shift automatic. The LEDs); at the rear, there's a new bumper and VR6/Tiptronic combination can drive either the redesigned taillights also with LEDs (including front wheels or all four. In the 4Motion model, it licence plate illumination). The big change also gets paddle shifters. inside is a rear bench seat to accommodate three passengers, replacing the previous -- Joe Duarte

The replacement for both the STS and DTS, timing. Control is entrusted to a six-speed the full-sized XTS will be available in both rear-wheel automatic.

and all-wheel drive. It features state-of-the-Cadillac traditional ride, as well as art technology such as Cadillac's new CUE uncharacteristic handling for a large Cadillac, (Cadillac User Experience) system -- a touch is supplied by Cadillac's magnetic ride system. screen multimedia control system similar to Other technologies include adaptive cruise Ford's Sync and Kia's UVO -- that actually gives control and rear obstacle detection. physical touch feedback. Power is supplied by a direct injected 300 hp V6 with variable valve -- Joe Duarte

The Spark is a five-door, four passenger Additionally, Chevrolet states the little mini car, already sold in Europe, with a hatchback has more interior room than any tiny footprint designed to make it perfect other car in the segment. for urban living. When it arrives in North Playing up the 'fun' angle of the arguably America in mid-2012, it will be powered by cute runabout, it will offer funky color a 1.2 litre engine, capable of 85 horsepower, choices inside and out, and a number and available with either a five-speed of the manufacturer's most desirable manual transmission or four-speed options -- MyLink infotainment, OnStar automatic. communication and satellite radio.

The Spark has done well for the company An all-electric version will become overseas, having won safety awards in Korea available in 2013. and Europe; and boasts 10 airbags, standard

ABS and Chevy's StabiliTrak stability control. -- Wade Ozeroff

Source: http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca

1 comment:

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